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English
Quarter 4 – Module 1:
Grammatical Signals and Expressions
Quarter 4 – Module 1: Grammatical Signals and Expressions
First Edition, 2020

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Published by the Department of Education

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Jezza Meh M. Abaricio
Editor: Rowena C. Henobiagon
Reviewer: Arra O. Parreño
Illustrator: Christine S. Nakahara
Layout Artist: Sandy M. Naingue
Management Team:
Josephine L. Fadul – Schools Division Superintendent
Melanie P. Estacio - Assistant Schools Division Superintendent
Christine C. Bagacay – Chief – Curriculum Implementation Division
Darwin F. Suyat – Education Program Supervisor – English
Lorna C. Ragos - Education Program Supervisor
Learning Resources Management

Printed in the Philippines by

Department of Education – Region XI

Office Address: Energy Park, Apokon, Tagum City, 8100

Telefax: (084) 216-3504

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English
Quarter 4 – Module 1:
Grammatical Signals or Expressions
Introductory Message
This Self-Learning Module (SLM) is prepared so that you, our dear
learners, can continue your studies and learn while at home.
Activities, questions, directions, exercises, and discussions are
carefully stated for you to understand each lesson.
Each SLM is composed of different parts. Each part shall guide
you step-by-step as you discover and understand the lesson
prepared for you.
Pre-tests are provided to measure your prior knowledge on lessons
in each SLM. This will tell you if you need to proceed on completing
this module or if you need to ask your facilitator or your teacher’s
assistance for better understanding of the lesson. At the end of
each module, you need to answer the post-test to self-check your
learning. Answer keys are provided for each activity and test. We
trust that you will be honest in using these.
In addition to the material in the main text, Notes to the Teacher
are also provided to our facilitators and parents for strategies and
reminders on how they can best help you on your home-based
learning.
Please use this module with care. Do not put unnecessary marks
on any part of this SLM. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering
the exercises and tests. And read the instructions carefully before
performing each task.
If you have any questions in using this SLM or any difficulty in
answering the tasks in this module, do not hesitate to consult your
teacher or facilitator.
Thank you.

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 Let Us Learn!

The purpose of this module is to guide you in learning Grade

8 English. This module will walk you through the richness of
English grammar through recognizing the writing device used by
writers in maintaining a properly transitioned paragraphs in
creating a good text. This will help the students in understanding
the importance of achieving unity and coherence in paragraphs. It
will guide them on how to properly follow the writer’s thought as
they will be directed to different signals or expressions that would
tell the relationship of sentences. They will be introduced to
various patterns of paragraph development which will determine
the essential role of grammatical signals in a certain paragraph or
text.

The most essential learning competency covered in this

module is the used of appropriate grammatical signals or
expressions suitable to various patterns of paragraph development
(EN8G-Ia-7).

Objectives:

As a learner of this module, you are expected to:

1. Identify the patterns of paragraph development;

2. Familiarize the grammatical signals or expressions used in
various patterns of paragraph development;
3. Understand the importance of constructing coherent
paragraphs; and
4. Write sentences using appropriate grammatical signals or
expressions suitable to various patterns of paragraph
development.

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 Let Us Try!

A. Matching Type
Directions: Write the letter of your choice on the space provided before the
number.

______1. These are words which indicate the relationship between ideas and
organization of details.

A. Modals
B. cline words
C. signal words
D. context clues

______2. The following statements are considered true about the functions of
the Signal Words except

A. They demonstrate a process or direction.

B. They reveal a particular pattern of development.
C. They show the relationship between or among ideas.
D. They give hints about what is about to happen in what you're
reading.

_______3. Identify the signal word used in the sentence below:

They brought a lot of food, such as pasta, pork, sandwiches and soda.

A. food
B. They
C. such as
D. brought

_______4. What pattern of development is revealed in the sentence, “I have

always liked cats because they are small and cute”?

A. cause-effect
B. problem-solution
C. general to particular
D. claim and counterclaim

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________5. In the sentence used in item #4, what signal word is being used?
A. cute
B. small
C. Always
D. because

______6. What pattern of development is suggested by the underlined signal

word in the given sentence:

A water main in downtown broke this morning, so several businesses had no

water for hours.

A. time
B. addition
C. comparison
D. cause and effect

______7. What pattern of development is suggested by the underlined signal

word in the following sentences:

Some people in Davao City built their houses very close to the shoreline.
Consequently, they have had to spend a lot of money trying to protect their
property from the sea.

A. addition
B. contrast
C. cause and effect
D. illustration/example

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B. IDENTIFICATION
Direction: Identify the pattern of development described in each
item. Refer your answer in the choices given inside the box.

general to particular problem-solution

claim and counterclaim cause-effect

_______________________8.It is a pattern of development that begins with a

general idea or statement and is followed by specific details to support
and explain it.

_______________________9. This pattern of development is used to make the

reader change his/her opinion or behavior by showing that a problem exists,
then providing a solution.

______________________ [Link] refers to a pattern of paragraph development

that is used to show the relationship between ideas, topics, etc. It describes
how one event influenced a later event or what caused an event to take
place.

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 Lesson

1 Grammatical Signals or Expressions

Day 1

Let Us Study

Did you know that there are words in the English language that may
help you clearly explain your ideas in written form? When you want to discuss
or explain a topic, you may use these terms to help you organize and connect
your ideas to form a paragraph.

Now, how do we organize a paragraph? We have several patterns to

choose from. First, let us get to know the patterns in which the purpose of the
paragraph is based. The narration pattern usually uses the chronological
order. When we say chronological order, we mean to say from start to finish,
from old information to new information. On the other hand, the description
pattern organizes ideas based on features of the subject. Meanwhile, the
process pattern organizes ideas to explain how things work step by step. As
you can see, these patterns also share similarities.

In order to link one sentence with the next, or one paragraph with
another, we will also need to use grammatical signals or expressions. These
will allow us to connect the ideas between sentences or between paragraphs.

The following are the commonly used patterns of development and their
example grammatical signals and expressions:

o General to Particular- a pattern of paragraph development that

begins with a general idea or statement and is followed by specific
details to support and explain it.

Signal Words Used in this Pattern

For example such as like for instance

In other words in fact indeed

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Example:

The pandemic has caused a serious effect in most companies. For instance,
in the electronics industry, 5000 jobs are being lost.

The first sentence in the example above presents the general

idea. It is followed with a particular or specific idea to support
the general idea with the use of the grammatical signal, For
instance.

o Claim and Counterclaim- a pattern that can be found more frequently

in political journalism, as well as letters to the editor, magazines and
argumentative speeches. A claim is a statement that presents an
arguable position. It reflects interpretation, belief or opinion. A
counterclaim is the strongest argument against your claim.

Signal Words Used in this Pattern

probably according to apparently perhaps

seem suggest evidently

Example:
According to the authorities, our city will close its boarders from the
neighboring cities to contain the spread of the virus.

The sentence above presents a reason or evidence to support

the claim. It uses the grammatical signal According to to
introduce the counterclaim.

o Problem-Solution- is one method of organization, composed of two

main sections, the problem and the solution. It is used in persuasive
writing with the writer’s aim to convince the reader to support a certain
course of action and to make the reader change his opinion by showing
a problem then providing a solution.

Signal Words Used in this Pattern

the problem is clearly a difficulty is obviously

to solve
Example: as a solution next the question is

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 Many families could not afford to buy a sack of rice and other
commodities to get them through the pandemic. As a solution, the government
provided them with cash gift and groceries.

The sentence above presents a problem and a solution. The

first sentence identifies the problem and the second sentence
identifies the solution with the used of the grammatical
signal, As a solution.

o Cause-Effect- a pattern of paragraph development that is used to show

the relationship between ideas, topics, etc. It describes how one event
influenced a later event or what caused an event to take place.

Signal Words Used in this Pattern

therefore as a result thus that is why
due to because since as

Example:

We easily get sick because we rarely eat nutritious food.

The grammatical signal because is used in the

example above to show the cause and effect idea in the
sentence.

You are now beginning to deepen your knowledge on the topic that you will
learn in this section of the lesson. This topic that you will explore is specially chosen
to help develop your skills in expressing your ideas effectively in speaking but most
importantly in writing. You will discover that there are special words in English that
should be fitly used to convey meaningful expression of ideas. To understand what
is meant with all of these, get ready to engage into the next activity.

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 Let Us Practice

Activity 1: Build Your Background

Task: Read the given text. Notice that there are UNDERLINED WORDS that
affect the meaning and the relationships of the paragraphs to one another.
Tell how these words are used in the selection.

A flu is an infectious disease caused by a lung-attacking virus. It is a

contagious respiratory illness that attacks the nose, mouth, throat, and the
lungs. It can range from mild to severe and may even cause the infected
person an untimely death. There is a worldwide estimate of 250,000 to
650,000 deaths each year due to flu.
According to the World Health Organization, a flu is caused by a virus
called Influenza. This virus is constantly mutating making it harder for the
immune system to fight the virus once it takes hold of the body as its host
or victim. However, when a novel or new influenza strain emerges, this new
strain may cause a contagion. If it becomes uncontrollable that its impact
reaches the pandemic level. There are a number of influenza strains which
have claimed lives all over the world. Examples include SARS, Mers-Cov,
AH1N1 and while the most recent is the Novel Corona Virus which causes
the disease known as COVid-19.
As a result of the Corona Virus pandemic, the everyday life of people
all over the globe has been affected: businesses have shut down, jobs have
been lost, the world economy has plummeted, schools have been closed and
the public has been put under strict social and travel restrictions.
Because of these restrictions, many people are compelled to stay home
to avoid contracting the disease. People are being urged to cooperate with
the measures and rules that the WHO and the government are
implementing. To stay virus-free means saving not only your life but also the
lives of others.
Therefore, no one should treat any flu lightly. Anyone who
experiences its symptoms must see a physician, get correctly diagnosed and
then treated. Self-quarantine should be done to keep others safe from getting
infected.

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Activity 2: What a Wonderful Word

Directions: You have read the given paragraph. Notice the underlined
words. They are called transitional/signal words. Answer the given activity
below by matching the underlined words according to their function in the
reading text. Write the words on the opposite column.

Function Word

Expressing a conclusion

Providing examples

Giving reason

Claim and Counter-claim

Activity 3: Words are a Reason

Direction: Justify your answer in the previous activity. Give your reasons why
you have identified the signal/transition word that functions as word that
expresses a conclusion, provides examples, gives reasons, and/or means a
claim and counter-claim. Use the graphic organizer below.

expresses a provides gives claim and

conclusion examples reasons counter-
claim
word: word: word:
___________ word:
___________ ___________
_ ___________
__ _

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Day 2
Let Us Practice

Activity 4: Looking for Signals

Direction: Fill in the blanks with the word/s that fit the sentence below.
Choose from the pool of words provided inside the box.

Regardless Although However Because

On the other hand Due to Therefore
Consequently For instance Also

1. ___________________the flu is reported to have a very low mortality rate, it

is still recommended that everyone will take extra caution for their safety.
2. Aside from eating nutritious food and taking vitamins C, one may
______________ prevent the infection through handwashing.
3. Corona virus may be averted. ____________________, no one is really
prepared whenever it attacks in surprise.
4.____________________ an increase of fatalities, the government is compelled
to issue laws to restrict the citizens’ movements in public places.
5._______________________, the disease is preventable as long as we cooperate
and do necessary precautions to evade being infected.
6. Everyone is starting to get nervous _________________ no one is prepared
for a pandemic.
7. Hector decided not to wear a mask;_ _________________,he got cough and
colds.
8. _________________ of the weather, the front liners still stayed in the check
points.
9. I dropped my cellphone and it broke. __________________, I need to buy a
new one.
10. My sister is a very kind and generous person. __________________, she
helps me in my homework and buys me food.

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 Let Us Practice More

In this section of the lesson, you will be using everything that you have
learned about signal words and how they could be used in the communication
process. This activity will challenge you in applying your freshly learned concept,
idea and skill in the activity that awaits you. Get ready to discover what more you
could do with the lesson that you have gained.
Activity 5: Arranging Signals
Carefully read the paragraphs and analyze the pattern of development in
terms of chronology, flow of ideas, emphatic order and/or cause and effect
relationship. Rewrite the paragraph/s by adding proper signal words. Notice that
some of the sentences appear broken or ungrammatical. This is due to the absence
of signal words. Try to supply the signal words missing in the given paragraph
through the help of the given options. The target sentences are numbered so that
you would be guided which ones to correct.

Paragraph

Amidst In contrast Yet So Hence

Sleep has always been a fascinating topic. We spend about one-third of our
adult lives sleeping. Most animals sleep in a similar fashion - they collapse and
relax their muscles. (1) Birds and horses sleep upright, with their antigravity
muscles at work. Most of us complain when we have not gotten several hours of
sleep. (2) some people sleep for an hour or less a day and live otherwise healthy
and normal.

Revised Paragraph:
_____________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Activity 6: Connecting Signals
Direction: Write your own sentences to show cause and effect relationship.
Use the signal words or expressions in the box in your sentences.
______________________________________________________________

if
_________________________________________________________________________________
then
_________________________________________________________________________________
because
since
_________________________________________________________________________________
so

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Day 3

Let Us Remember

Activity 7. Practicing Signals

Direction: Choose signal words or expressions you have just learned and use them
in your own sentences following the different patterns of paragraph development.

Patterns of Signal Your sentences

Paragraph Development Words Used

General to Specific

Claim-Counterclaim

Problem-Solution

Cause-Effect

Activity 8. Identifying Signals

Direction: Study the following sentences. Identify the appropriate signal words
used. Write your answer on the space provided.

________1. This toy helps children discover their abilities; in other words, children
can learn new things from the toy.
________2. Many people prefer a particular type of car; for example, sports cars are
very popular.
________3. Angelo can play a number of musical instruments such as the violin, the
guitar, the saxophone, and the piano.
________4. Car companies like BMW and Ford produced sports cars in America and
Asia.
________5. The students namely Pat, Mora, Levi and Ana are given special
assignments.

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Activity 9. Writing Signals
Direction: Read the passages below. Write the problem and solution presented
in each passage. Identify also the signal words used. Write your answers on
the space provided.

1. In the early 1800s, the country needs room to grow. The problem was most
people lived in the east. The cities were crowded. New land was expensive.
Young families could not afford to buy farm. As a solution, the government
purchased land to be used by the people.

Problem:__________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Solution:_________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Signal word/s
used:_____________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

2. The National Park is in danger! A plant called Kudzu threatens the park’s
ecosystem. Kudzu, a plant that is also called “the vine that ate the South”,
grows so fast. It may kill native plants and trees because it grows right over
them. It takes the sunlight that plants need in order to grow. Now, the park
guards cut all the Kudzus. They may also put herbicide to the plant’s huge
root.

Problem:__________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Solution:_________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Signal word/s
used:_____________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

Let Us Assess

Directions: Complete the sentence with the best grammatical signals. Choose only
the letter of your choice.

1. Many species of wildlife are becoming extinct __________ the rainforests are
being destroyed.
A. therefore
B. since
C. so
D. consequently

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2. __________ logging provides jobs and profits, the government is reluctant
to control it.
A. So
B. Consequently
C. Due to
D. Since
3. Hemp can be used to make paper, __________ it could reduce the need for
logging.
A. therefore
B. so
C. due to
D. because
4. Hemp was grown throughout history __________ its versatility; it can be
used to make many different things.
A. due to
B. because
C. since
D. as a result
5. Hemp is related to the marijuana plant; __________, it is illegal in many
countries.
A. so
B. because
C. due to
D. as a result
6. Hemp cannot be used to produce marijuana __________ its low THC
content.
A. because
B. as
C. because of
D. consequently
7. Marijuana is less toxic than alcohol or tobacco. __________, some people
believe it should be legalized.
A. So
B. Therefore
C. Due to
D. Because

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 8. __________ Canada has legalized hemp farming, we can expect to see pulp
and paper produced from hemp very soon.
A. Therefore
B. Due to
C. So
D. As
9. ___________ many people enjoy exotic flavors, I think that chocolate tastes
good.
A. Therefore
B. Due to
C. So
D. While

10. ________________ many lawmakers would have you believe that health
insurance reform borders on socialism, the cost of health care for the
uninsured family is a cost that many families cannot afford.
A. Even though
B. So
C. While
D. Because

Day 5

Let Us Enhance

Direction: Fill-in the table with the correct information needed. Analyze the
sentences in the first column and decide the pattern of paragraph
development evident in the sentence. Accomplish the third column by writing
the signal words or expressions used in the sentence.

Sentence Pattern of Paragraph Signal Words or

Development Expressions
[Link] to my
research, people who are
not wearing mask are
likely to be infected with
flu.
[Link] like patience
and obedience are
needed in this time of
pandemic.
[Link] answered her
module diligently. As a

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result, she always
submits her outputs on
time.
4. One of the reasons of
the instability of the
economy today is due to
the pandemic.
5. Mark has done
different crafts during
lockdown such as
handmade face mask,
face shield and gloves.
6. Since the pandemic
continues to be a threat,
students are not yet
allowed to physically go
to school.
7. Sandra’s handmade
face mask received good
reviews from the
customers.
Consequently, more
people wanted to buy
her product.
8. High protein meats
such as chicken, beef
and pork are excluded
from his diet.
9. Indian literature has
an influence to
Japanese literature
according to my study.
[Link] get sick because
our immune system is
weak.

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 Let Us Reflect

Directions: Recall what are the most important things you have
learned in this module. Tell also which activities you think you did well. Write
your responses while applying signal or transition words to help you express
your answer.

Things I learned:
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
Things I did well:
________________________________________________
________________________________________________

________________________________________________
________________________________________________

Congratulations! We have completed our

lesson on grammatical signals which are
essential in writing text following a certain
pattern of idea development when expressing our
ideas in spoken or written form. Remember that
this lesson will make it easier for you to connect
your sentences together into paragraphs, and
paragraphs into essays or speeches!

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 18
LET US ASSESS
1. A 6. C
2. D 7. A
3. A 8. D
4. A 9. D
5. D 10. A
ACTIVITY 9
(Answers may vary/Some answers may be
considered)
[Link]: Young families could not afford to buy
farm.
Solution: The government purchased land to be ACTIVITY 8
used by the people.
1. In other words
Signal Word: As a solution 2. For example
3. Such as
2. Problem: Kudzu threatens the park’s 4. Like
ecosystem. 5. Namely
Solution: The park’s guards cut all the
[Link] put herbicide to the plant’s huge
root.
Signal word: Now
PRE-TEST
1. C
ACTIVITY 4 ACTIVITY 2 2. D
3. C
[Link] 1. Therefore
4. A
2. Also 2. As a result
5. D
3. However 3. Because
6. D
4. Due to 4. According to,
However 7. C
5. On the other hand
[Link] 8. General to
7. Consequently Particular
8. Regardless 9. Problem-
9. Therefore Solution
10. For instance 10. Cause
and Effect
Answer key to Activities
 References

BOOK:

De Vera, E. E., Francisco, N.R.,Gonzales, C,T (2017). Essential

English. Manila, Philippines. REX Book store

________________________________________________________________________________________

INTERNET SOURCE:

[Link]
[Link]

[Link]
[Link]#:~:text=Transitions%20act%20as%20bridges%20that,idea%20to%20the%20next
%20idea.

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Printed in the Philippines by

Department of Education – Region XI

Office Address: Energy Park, Apokon, Tagum City, 8100

Telefax: (084) 216-3504

E-mail Address: [Link]@[Link]

20